iPad keyboards a nice touch

If you’re an iPad user who would rather not hunt-and-peck on a touch screen, accessory keyboards can be a great convenience. Consumer Reports tested several that are Bluetooth compatible to assess their usefulness.

• Belkin Keyboard Folio F5L090, $100. Designed for the iPad 2, it has a built-in battery and is rechargeable via USB.

Pros. The Folio is a good choice if you want an integrated case and a display stand with an adjustable angle. Its decent-sized keyboard has keys almost as large as those on a laptop or desktop computer.

Cons. At 1.3 pounds, it’s heavy. The fitted case is snug on the iPad 2, so it’s hard to put on and remove. The elaborate folding design can take some getting used to.

• Zagg ZAGGfolio, $100. This versatile keyboard has a case to protect the tablet and a handy stand. Its integrated battery recharges through a USB connection.

Pros. The keys are almost as large as those on a typical laptop or desktop. They have custom tablet controls, including Home and Lock Screen.

Cons. The case is snug for both the keyboard and iPad 2. That makes it hard to extricate them, which you must do to access the keyboard’s charging port. With the case, the ZAGGfolio is fairly heavy, at 1.2 pounds.

• RocketFish iPad 2 Keyboard, $100. The RocketFish has an integrated case and stand that can close like a laptop, plus a built-in battery that is rechargeable by the USB cable.

Pros. The keys are almost as large as those on a typical laptop or desktop keyboard, with tablet-specific buttons and shortcuts. The tablet can easily be taken out of the stand, and it has a built-in sleep mechanism when it’s closed.

Cons. At 2.3 pounds, this is the heaviest keyboard CR tested, weighing more than an iPad. The stand can be used only in a horizontal orientation, and it covers the iPad’s rear camera.

• Apple Wireless Keyboard, $70. This device can be used with iPads or Mac computers and requires two AA batteries.

Pros. The keyboard is small and light at 0.7 pounds, making it good for traveling. Its keys are full size, like those on a typical laptop or desktop keyboard. It includes shortcut buttons for brightness and media playback.

Cons. The keyboard buttons aren’t customized for iPad use, so some (such as the Launchpad and Dashboard buttons) serve no purpose. Also, it lacks useful tablet functions, such as Home and Lock buttons.

SMARTPHONES WITH BIG SCREENS

CR found a trio of new smartphones that provide faster processors, bigger screens and 4G support. Prices are with a two-year contract, including rebates.

• Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, Verizon, $300. This recent Verizon exclusive is a marathon performer thanks to its battery, which enabled the Droid Razr Maxx to deliver exceptional talk time — 13.25 hours on average and up to 24 hours on a single charge — in CR’s tests.

Bottom line. With its phenomenal battery life, the Droid Razr Maxx will give you more time to enjoy its many charms at full throttle.

• Motorola Droid 4, Verizon, $200. The fourth-generation Motorola Droid 4 has significant performance upgrades yet keeps the Droid’s sliding keyboard design. Improvements and features include support for Verizon’s ultra-fast 4G LTE data network and a 4-inch high-resolution display.

Bottom line. Great if you text frequently and want the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard that’s well laid out.

• Samsung Galaxy Note, AT&T, $300. Samsung’s new Galaxy Note smartphone has the mother of all cellphone displays: a 5.3-inch high-definition touch screen. The bountiful real estate and exceptional performance in bright light make it a compelling choice for heavy Web users and e-book fans alike.

Bottom line. The size puts a damper on phone functionality, but it may be just the ticket for online addicts and bookworms who want to leave their tablet or e-book reader at home.